Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Whole Grain Butternut-Cinnamon Chip Muffins

I happen to have an affinity for watching what my hubby terms "freak shows." The Biggest Loser, Intervention, Hoarders, The Half Ton Man, The Half Ton Woman, The Half Ton Teen, The Half Ton Dog (just kidding on that one,) are just a few of my favorites. I'm not really certain why I'm drawn to these programs, other than the obvious fact that they point out to me that there is always someone out there who has it worse than I do.

Last week's season finale of Hoarders. Did y'all see it? It was about a man who hoarded rats. I had myself tucked up so tight in a blanket when I was watching it that you'd have thought there was a serial killer knocking down my door. Just ewe..eeeeeek....and uck. uck. uck.

What does this have to do with muffins? Well... I have a little bit of a hoarding problem myself when it comes to food ingredients, especially seasonal ones. Fresh cranberries are bought by the bagfuls in November then frozen to get me through until the following year. Diet cranberry Sierra Mist is stockpiled in the garage also during those months because the powers that be seem to think that we don't like cranberry beverages the rest of the year. And cinnamon chips, found in this recipe, are scooped up during the holiday baking season so I can make these muffins anytime I want to! I have found however, that even though Hershey's doesn't keep them in the stores year round, they are always available at King Arthur Flour.

Also... hugs to all of you who have been emailing me and asking how I'm doing. Thanks so much for caring. As of today I'm 6 weeks smoke free! Blogging remains stressful for me for some reason however, and I'm sure you've become aware that I've been posting less frequently. Hopefully that will change soon. I love you guys.

My what pretty muffins you made! 6 weeks - yeah YOU!!!!! I think I could make those in the toaster oven here in Bogota - but I seriously doubt I could find all of the ingredients... could do some creative substitutions... hmmmmmmmmm

Great looking muffins Mags & 6 weeks....you're amazing and we're proud! I just picked up a bunch of fresh crans at Albertson's and did the happy dance all the way out the store. We can buy blueberries year round...why not cranberries too. I think it's a RIP!

The muffins look wondeful and congrats to you on your 6 weeks of being smoke free!!!! I know what you mean about blogging and not doing it as much. It happens to me and I don't blog as much as in the beginning. I know there are people out there that blog every day almost but that is too much for me. Do it when you feel like it....

I am a maaaajor holiday hoarder. And I was only home for 3 weeks! (I'm in college) So I wound up leaving my poor mother with 3 bags of assorted holiday-themed candies... Whoops ;)

There are also cranberries in my freezer that I never used. And a few cans of pumpkin.

Your muffins look fantastic, and I love all the recipes on your blog! :) I've been reading off and on for awhile now but am just starting to actaully comment on things as I embark on my own blogging adventure ;)

I only watch those freak shows when I'm depressed. I'm lucky I don't have it that bad. Six weeks without smoking?! I'm a closet smoker (so don't tell anyone, especially not on my blog), but I am dying to quit. How did you get past those first few days?

I love, always, your humor and honesty, Mags. I switch the channel if I'm watching one of those TV shows and my husband or kids enters the room. They're none the wiser. :) You hang in there, lady, and don't worry if you find you need a respite now and then from blogging. I figure, if blogging starts to feel like negative pressure, that's the time to take a little break. Six weeks is a huge accomplishment, by the way. We're pulling for you!

Oh, this post had me laughing out loud, literally! Stopping smoking hasn't affected your sense of humor, that's for sure! I can never see the design on my muffin liners after they're baked, but yours are so pretty! What's the trick?

Marge, You can call it hoarding if you want, but I like to think of it as being prepared and being a smart shopper!! Think of you often and I know it must be hard kicking the habit, but WOW you are doing it! Love you!

I'm kind of a hoarder in the same way you are....however, that tv show totally makes me ill to see what they find dead in those homes. We did see one where one lady really cleaned it up though and that did make me feel good! lol

Six WEEKS!!You CAN do it. If you smoked while you blogged, that might be why you have trouble, without even knowing why. I am working fast on 2 years, and the "need" is still there at odd times.Keep up the good work.(Love your blog)

About Me

This is my documentation of my life after turning 50. Lots of recipes, some healthy, some not so much... tossed up with a hefty dose of sarcasm and motherly love.
My email address: maggielauerrdh(at)yahoo.com